White Fir Notch The Space Between

Backdated. Takes place shortly after this thread. 
@Gent  feel free to pop in if you like!

Warning: Language

Reach for the stars

Once the trio had arrived safely back at White Fir Notch, Jynx's mood had gone from bad to worse. It was no longer herself that she was mad at, but now one wolf in particular. A wolf whose presence as of late, had been noticeably absent. Merys. Returning home, she was greeted with nothing in regards to her supposedly hunting partner. His scent was completely gone. She knew with all certainty that he had abandoned his pack. Her yellow eyes blazed, narrowing. Russet ears pinned back, a growl spat out of her throat. "Fuck! Perfect...just absolutely perfect!" She seethed openly with little regard to the males by her side. Of all the times to up and call it quits, Merys sure knew how to pick 'em. Although she now had just reason to show her anger, the dull ache in her ankle joint was a stern reminder that she mustn't over exert herself in the throws of emotion. Escorted past the borders, with Emrys in toe, Jynx shared one last glare with Gent, sure of his shared disappointment.

She allowed them to take her to her own private den, which she used on a part time basis. As much as she loved the shared space and sense of comfort she got from sleeping with the pack, there were nights when she craved her space. Sometimes it felt good just to stretch out. To roll on your back, or turn in any which way you liked, without having to worry about poking a wolfs eye out with your paw. Located well within the heart of the territory, the den was easy to find, should one know where to look. Carved where the earth sloped slightly, the inner chamber was deep and spacious. There was enough room to easily fit three adult wolves. Inside, the ground was lined with her trophy caribou hide. Other items such as antlers and the odd bone or two laid in one corner. All proof of the aspiring hunters hard work and battles. But, would it all end here?

After Jynx had gotten settled and Gent had stepped away to see to other matters, the weary she wolf invited Emrys inside with a soft chuff. "Emrys..." Her voice was softer than it was before. No longer harsh with self resentment and disgust. "May I have a word?" Laying on her right side, so as not to apply any pressure to her left back leg, she shuffled back to accommodate for her friend. This was the first time he had been anywhere near her home, much less in the core of it. But the fact that she was willing to let him share her own personal space showed that location did not matter, when it came to her feelings associated with him. When he entered, he would see a noticeably weary looking Jynx. There was much on her mind, as shown in her yellow eyes...in the thin line of her lips. She needed him now, not to heal her body, but to soothe her spirit.

All through the journey Emrys worried about something happening to Jynx that would cause her further injury to her leg. He felt relieved when they made it back to White Fir Notch without any trouble. Jynx could finally get off her feet and give her ankle a proper rest and get the process of healing started. He also worried some about her mood as it seemed to worsen evidenced by the words that she uttered. It was something he wondered about but for now he was more concerned with getting her to her den. He could not help the nervousness that creeper in at being an outsider to this pack which caused him to keep a little closer as he followed Gent and Jynx through the packs lands. He wasn't sure what he had been expecting when they had spoken back in the Ghastly woods but he was sure that it wasn't this. Still he was glad that he would be able to see Jynx to her den and make sure that she was resting as she should be.

As they moved further into the lands Emrys kept a lookout for other wolves but it was quiet as he followed them. For him it was strange to be within the lands that belonged to a pck since he hadn't ever lived among a pack such as the one Gent led. The journey to the den which seemed to be the place where Jynx would spend her recover didn't seem to take too long which the white healer was glad for. The sooner she was off her feet the better for now anyway. He didn't think she would be doing much walking around for the first week at least. He wanted to make sure it healed properly so this wouldn't ever happen to her again.

As Jynx went inside the den Emrys waited outside thinking that was the polite thing to do. He watched as Gent stepped away before he was invited into the den by Jynx. Slowly he entered taking in the size of the space as well as some of the items that were kept in the den, he would ask about them later. In that moment though she wanted to speak to him and he had noticed that she didn't seem as angry. He let his gaze fall on her and he could tell that she needed to rest but he felt it was important that they talk. He nudged her cheek with his muzzle before laying down in front of her. “You can have as many as you would like,” He finally stated hoping it might brighten her spirits a little.

(This post was last modified: Nov 16, 2016, 04:01 AM by Emrys.)

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

Reach for the stars

There were some things she wanted to get off her chest. Questions to ask, concerns to settle. Any traces of anger that had been present on her face before, were now long gone. Instead, she appeared slightly worried, but appreciative. "Thank you Emrys..." Came her voice in a soft breath. She scuttled forward just a few inches more, eliciting a small whine at the nudge to her cheek. Her pink tongue darted out for a return gesture of affection, but the huntress caught herself and withdrew it back behind her teeth. 

Pulling back into a more natural, reclining position, her back rested against the dirt wall of the den comfortably. Thanks to the spaciousness, Emrys would be free to move about with little difficulty. But he looked plenty comfortable already, she decided. Her chest heaved with a little sigh as she looked at the space between his paws. "I'm sorry you had to see that outburst of mine out there." She returned her gaze up to his blue eyes, lacking in any harshness. "Here in White Fir Notch, I have worked side by side with another wolf, who is also a skilled hunter. His name is Merys and he seemed to have been a reliable pack member." Her ears fell slightly, her toes flexing to scratch idly at the dirt. "He had vanished one day without a word...but now that some time has passed, it would seem that he has deserted his pack." She huffed. "Tch. I had even recruited him myself." Instead of coming off as angry and bitter now, Jynx seemed resigned to the fact that what was done, was done. That Merys was not coming back and that the Notch wolves would have to deal with whatever came their way. Casually tipping her head back slightly to gaze at the dark ceiling of the den, she spoke again. "I'm worried...what with winter not too far away and all. And...my condition doesn't exactly help." She was by no means trying to lure Emrys in to joining by feeling bad for her. Right now, she was just openly expressing her emotions to a good friend. Just as she had done once before. She knew he'd understand.

She wanted a word with him which was something that in the back of his mind he had thought was coming. Though he didn't know exactly what it was she wanted to discuss he thought her injury and recovery from it was something that might be on her mind. He was fully prepared to explain his plan to her hoping that knowing it would ease her mind some. He had also taken note that whatever had caused her anger seemed to have left her by the time he entered the den where she was resting. Emrys nodded when she thanked him, “You’re welcome anything you need.” The greeting he'd given her he'd hoped would also offer her some comfort and she returned it with a whine and her own show of affection.

Once they had both found a comfortable position inside the den Jynx began their conversation with an apology for her outburst which Emrys didn't feel was necessary. “You don't need to apologize, we all have our moments.” she went on to explain the reason she'd had the outburst in the first place which helped to put things into perspective for him. He could understand why she was so upset, “That's disappointing that he could leave just like that without a word when he as so many counting on him. I can't imagine everything you are feeling right now but his actions were extremely hurtful not only to the pack but to you because brought him into the pack and you hunted with him and felt you could trust him.” Emrys was sure that had he been in the same situation he would feel betrayed and angry with himself.

She also expressed her worry about the pack with winter coming and her current condition which was something he thought would weigh heavy on her. “I know I can't keep you from worrying especially with the current situation but maybe I can help to ease some of your worry by hunting and helping the pack until you're able to do so.” Even though he wasn't a member of the pack he felt that doing what he could to help out might help Jynx feel more at ease about resting and also help to show Gent that he was willing to do what he could.

(This post was last modified: Nov 24, 2016, 04:34 PM by Emrys.)

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

There are several fresh rabbit tracks in the mud. Hunt Opportunity

 

Reach for the stars

Details about the treatment and the mending of her leg could come later. Jynx was still very much latched onto the emotional aspect of her situation, rather than the physical one. She knew that there was no way she would be able to rest comfortably and heal while turmoil was in her every thought. As he had displayed before, Emrys was understanding, relating easily to her frustration concerning Merys and how he had left the pack. At least they were on the same page in that regard, and it made her feel better to know she was not simply over reacting. With a small shake of her head, she dismissed the subject of the agouti male. He was history. The pack could not afford to concern themselves over a wolf no longer among them.

What fell from her friends mouth next took her by surprise. Golden eyes blinking, she looked at him with surprise, lips slightly parted. He was willing to hang around and do some of the hunting for them? Rolling her tongue in her mouth to get rid of the dry feeling that had settled in, Jynx found her voice. "That's incredibly generous of you Emrys. But...are you sure you don't mind?" She pressed, raising her brows slightly. His expertise was in the healing arts, and while she had hunted with him on a few occasions, she was certain his knowledge was more lacking than hers. He didn't know the territory of the Notch, and the areas around it. Nor of the game trails, or where particular prey species favored at this time of year. "If you are certain you don't mind...then by all means, yes. I'm sure Gent trusts you enough already as it is." A pause fell between them and she lowered her chin a fraction, to try and hold his gaze. Her ears fell some. "But I don't want you to feel obligated to pitch in just because of my mistake..." As a lone wolf, Emrys had his freedom. And while Jynx would like nothing more than to see more of him, she did not want to force him into a choice of giving up the lifestyle he had known.

 

She had once again confided in him her feelings only this time it was about an absent packmate and as she spoke he had to put himself in her shoes. Though he hadn't ever really loved in a pack setting like what she did he could understand at least a little of how she must feel regarding the situation and he expressed that to her. Emrys understood that things were a lot different in a pack than they were when living on your own. Each wolf had their job and if one wolf failed to do their job than the others would suffer, he couldn’t imagine the guilt she might be feeling because now she had to rest and couldn't do as she always had. For her sake he didn't like the idea of it much either but being that he was a healer he knew it was best for her especially after finding out she had injured the leg once before.

In hopes to help ease some of her stress about it as well as show Gent he wasn't wasting his time with the white healer offered to help hunt for the pack until Jynx was better. It was clear to him that he surprised her with this offer but he felt it was the right thing to do, “I'm sure I don't mind,” he stated confidently. With what she said next Jynx did accept his offer which made him smile because perhaps this would help her to ease into her recovery, “I'm sure and I hope he does and if he doesn't I hope it might help him to.” Though he doubted Gent would allow him to set foot across the border if he didn’t. Emrys shook his head when she spoke of it being her mistake and him feeling obligated. “Jynx, firstly I don't think you should see this as a mistake, it's an accident and they happen. I want to stay here and make sure your recovery goes well and I don't think I should stay without pitching in somehow. Hunting will help you to recover without too much worry, I hope, and I can help the pack for allowing me to stay, it's only right.” It would also give him a chance to see what it was like to live in White Fir Notch before he made a definite decision.

(This post was last modified: Dec 23, 2016, 03:38 AM by Emrys.)

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

 

Reach for the stars

Slowly, little by little, she gave in to the relief that had been creeping up on her. There was no doubt in her mind that Gent would accept him without hesitation. And if he did, he always had her word to rely on. Jynx felt she knew Emrys well enough to make an honest call. Unlike Merys, he did not at all seem to be the type of wolf who would blatantly turn away from a pack, unannounced. With a small sigh, and a barely noticeable smile, she relented, taking his words to heart. "Alright...you win. I'm sure you can find Gent either on patrol, or by the main den after you are finished with me here." A pause in her words allowed her to sort through her thoughts. A glance of her eyes outside to the slowly changing landscape reminded her that winter would be here soon. "To be honest, Emrys...I am actually glad you are staying for now." She chose her words precisely, having honed in on his own. He had yet to completely make up his mind. "I was starting to get a little concerned for your own well being, with winter on the way." There was a part of her that she knew was silly for saying such a thing. He had been a lone wolf his whole life, much like she had for the early part of her own. She didn't question his ability to get by, but the interest she expressed showed that she cared. Showed that she did not write him off as just another loner to be dismissed of. Emrys was more than that. He was a dear friend.

Now visibly more relaxed, as shown by the slouching of her shoulders and the lack of tension around her spine, Jynx allowed her worries to slip on to the back burner. Emrys would help with the hunting and she would offer him tips while she recovered. Her own insecurities though, about this accident being the second one of this nature, she would have to get over herself. Her concerns in regards to the pack settled, as well as his stay, she switched gears to focus on the actual, physical recovery. "So..." She gestured with her muzzle to her swollen ankle. "Take me through step by step how you are going to do this. I know for a sprain, one of the best remedies is rest. But what else can help...such as with the swelling?" Her active display of curiosity showed that even as the patient, she was still keen to learn. Jynx was none too happy in this condition, but the opportunity to learn by watching a healer in action was full of potential for further insight.

 

Emrys really didn't mind staying in White Fir Notch while Jynx recovered from her injury at the very least. He would be able to make sure her recovery went well and he wouldn't have to worry if she was okay. He also knew that if he didn't help with the hunting she would worry about it but it would be a burden on the pack for him to stay and not help out. It wasn't his way to take from others and not give back especially with winter coming. Even though he hadn't completely made up his mind if he would accept Gents offer anything he did to help would hopefully ease any doubts the alpha might have. Emrys couldn't help the smile that crossed his lips when she finally accepted his offer to hunt in her place. She also reminded his that he should probably share his plans with Gent. “I knew you would see what a good idea this was,” he joked, “I will go and talk with Gent once we are finished here but I want to make sure you'll be okay before I do,” he added more seriously. His thoughts drifted to how things might go during his stay but were soon interrupted when she spoke about being glad he had decided to stay. “I'm glad to be staying too and not just to make sure you stay off that ankle.” Emrys may not have made the decision to become part of White Fir Notch just yet but he was glad to be able to see his friend everyday. “Winter is a hard time to be a loner, but then I don't have to tell you that, you know how hard it can be. I can tell you that I would be okay and not to worry but the truth is I am concerned for my well being too. It's hard to know exactly how bad the winter will be, I made it through the last but that doesn't mean I will this winter.” He didn't want her to worry about him but he also didn't want to lie to her and tell her that everything would be okay. “It's nice having someone to worry about and to worry about me,” he said in a quieter tone. It had been a long time since he'd had someone to care about like he did Jynx. In the time that he had known her she had become more than the hunting partner she had been when they first met or the patient she was now. He saw her as a close friend and if he had to be honest a factor in his decision to stay for good.

He was glad that he had been able to bring her some relief so that she could relax and get better so this wouldn't happen to her again. It was clear by the fact she didn't seem to be as tense as she was when they had first entered the den. Her question now was what was next for her, the steps he would take to make sure she was back to one hundred percent. The whole trip back he had thought through what needed to be done to make sure her recovery went well. “Rest of course is important and you must try to stay off the leg as much as you can for a few weeks at the very least. Also I was planning to give you Mountain Tobacco it's good for sprains, Chaga mushroom because it will help get good blood flow to your ankle, and lastly Whitebark Pine to help with the swelling for a week or so. We will have to see how you are in a week to see if we need to continue. After seeing how it's going on a week you may be able to take short walks and lengthening them each week.” He explained it all to her so that she knew what was happening and why he was giving her what he was. He hadn't forgotten she had been curious about learning the healing arts. There however was something else he wanted to tell her, “This could be a really long process Jynx but after hearing that the same ankle has been injured twice I want to make sure it's fully healed before your hunting again.”

(This post was last modified: Dec 29, 2016, 05:09 PM by Emrys.)

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Reach for the stars

"We certainly could use a few more additions." She commented, with a touch of dryness in her voice. With Emrys staying for a while at least, he would likely be filling in the slot Merys once occupied. Boosting the numbers of the pack made them stronger, better able to attend to the many tasks that came with pack life. However, they had to be careful. Come winter, should they have too many mouths to feed and prey was scarce, each wolf would be struggling for their fair share over any scrap they found. "Oh I know just what you mean. Winter is an un-predictable season. My very first one as a youngster was tough..." She looked as if she were about to say more, with a far off look in her yellow eyes, but the more pressing events of the present reeled her back. Another time. Stories from her past could wait.

He was grateful that she worried for him. And vice versa. Hearing him say that made her cheeks grow warm, her ears flattening slightly. "Hey...that's what friends are for, aren't they?" She laughed a little, bumping him under the chin with her nose in a good natured fashion. "Besides, we get the extra benefit of seeing each other on an almost daily basis now." Falling into silence again, she listened intently as he explained, in detail, what herbs he would give her and what their purpose was. Each of their names, she tried to memorize in her mind, as well as what they would be used in treating. "...Alright. I've...never ingested so many medicinal plants before." She said with the slightest bit of uncertainty. "Is...there any chance that combination will make me feel drowsy or anything?" Jynx was educated enough to know that there were both medicinal plants and toxic ones. She also had enough common sense to know that too much of a good thing, could potentially have some unexpected side effects. That was not to say she lacked faith in her friend. She was just being cautiously curious. Glancing around, notably by his paws, Jynx saw that he did not yet have the supplies he needed. But first, she wanted a little more clarification in regards to the time it would take for her to recover. Her brows furrowed slightly. "How long are we talking? Weeks? Months? Maybe more? Not that it matters...however long it takes until I am back to my old self again."